When you’re ready to light a fire this fall, the last thing you need is a fire hazard to cramp your style. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your fireplace and chimney system and 
many homeowners don’t even consider the things that might go wrong right outside their chimneys! Tree limbs hanging above and against a chimney can be a real problem.
How sure are you that no strong winds or storms brought down trees near your chimney? We can help you find out.
The Problem With Tree Limbs
Trees that go untrimmed can result in boughs and debris falling onto the roof and into the chimney flue opening. This can result in a fire hazard as well as damage to the roof, masonry, and the home. Oftentimes, these damages are not covered by your homeowner’s insurance because the tree limbs were a risk that was not resolved by the homeowner. Trees should be trimmed in order to maintain the value and safety of the home. Tree limbs on and over the chimney can also cause other problems.
- Limbs Cause Blockages
Twigs, braches, leaves, seeds, and nuts can all fall into your chimney, especially if it isn’t properly capped. This debris can lead to obstructed airflow which causes the ventilation in the flue to slow. As the airflow slows, more particles and creosote are left on the chimney walls, which leads to more obstruction. This cycle will not stop until a chimney sweep is scheduled. - Limbs Allow Animal Intrusion
In some cases, your hanging limbs may provide a direct shot into the chimney for neighborhood critters. Even if you have safeguards against squirrels and raccoons crawling onto your roof, any animal that can get onto the branches above your roof can get into your chimney. - Limbs Cause Drafting Issues
Your chimney has a very specific, very important job to do. In order to do it properly, it needs a draft to pull air up and out of the chimney. Anything in the way of the chimney opening can cause an issue with this draft, resulting in a smoky fireplace, a drop in efficiency, and eventually safety hazards and damage. In order to maintain the best draft for your chimney ventilation, make sure that trees within 10 feet of your chimney opening are trimmed at least 2 feet shorter than the height of the chimney.
Do you have limbs growing too close to your chimney? Homeowners love trees! Homebuyers love trees! Developers and city leaders love trees! Trees are great for shade, for curb appeal, and more. Make sure yours aren’t a danger to your house or a problem with your chimney.
Call West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions today to check out your chimney clearance. Talk to a professional about your chimney safety. Schedule a chimney service with West Texas today by calling 806-358-0817 or chat with a representative online today.
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